NORTH CASCADES History Basic Data

excerpts from Nomination Forms National Register of Historic Places Inventory for North Cascades National Park

1. NAME
Courtney Cabin
Possibly McComb Cabin

2. LOCATION
Stehekin, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Chelan County,
Washington

3. CLASSIFICATION
Category—Building; Ownership—Private, Public Acquisition Being Considered; Status—Unoccupied; Accessible to the Public—Restricted; Present Use—Private Residence

4. OWNER OF PROPERTY
Curt Courtney
Stehekin, Washington

5. LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Chelan County, Chelan, Washington

6. REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS
None

7. DESCRIPTION
Condition—Deteriorated, Unaltered, Original Site

DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (if known) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

A long, low, one-story cabin, the original portion of which is log. As the Courtney family increased, several frame additions were made. Generally, the log portion is in fair shape, although repairs, such as a new roof are urgently needed. The frame additions, to the rear of the cabin, have deteriorated, probably beyond restoration. The simple gable roof overhangs a small porch at the front of the house, a typical feature of early structures in the Stehekin Valley.

In front of the house is a subterranean root cellar, reached through a small frame entrance and stairs. The interior condition of this cellar is unknown.

8. SIGNIFICANCE
Period—19th Century; Areas of Significance—Homesteading and Pioneering

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Possibly built in the 1880s or 1890s, by a man named McComb, the Courtney cabin is a prime example of early homesteading cabins in the Stehekin Valley. Acquired by the father of the present senior generation of Courtneys, it stands as mute testimony to the hardiness of the pioneers in this remote land.

The present-day Courtneys, known far and wide for their many skills as mountain guides and outdoorsmen, were born and raised in this cabin.

It is one of the few surviving examples of the beginning of pioneering in this spectacular, remote mountain valley some 80 years ago.

9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES

E. N. Thompson, "North Cascades National Park, Basic Data Study"

10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
48° 20' 8" 120° 40' 30"

11. FORM PREPARED BY
Erwin N. Thompson, Historian
OHHA-ESC
Washington, D.C.

12. STATE LIAISON OFFICER CERTIFICATION/NATIONAL REGISTER VERIFICATION

1. NAME
Courtney Cabin
Possibly McComb Cabin

2. LOCATION
Stehekin, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Chelan County,
Washington

3. MAP REFERENCE
E. N. Thompson "North Cascades NP, Basic Data Study" 1970

4. REQUIREMENTS

1. NAME
Courtney Cabin
Possibly McComb Cabin

2. LOCATION
Stehekin, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Chelan County,
Washington

3. PHOTO REFERENCE
NPS, 1969, OHHA-ESC

4. IDENTIFICATION

Courtney Cabin. Frame additions not shown. NPS Photo.